In February 1998, the Rev. Philip Karl James, D. Min. the pastor of Beautiful Plain Baptist Church, Binghamton, NY came to serve as pastor of Mt. Zion.  Dr. James came with a new focus on ministry, worship and Christian Education.  He has instituted a discipleship ministry, praise team ministry and health and wellness ministry.  He led the church in hiring a full-time minister of music, engaging a seminary student to serve as a Youth Minister and enhancing children's church.  He has invited various nationally known speakers and preachers for special services.  He has involved members in American Baptist annual meetings, in addition to the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.  He is a former member of the Board of American Baptist Churches of Greater Indianapolis, the National General Board of American Baptist Churches, USA and a lecturer and supervisor of Field Education at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.